Folks, Its clear that there are many ways to interperet the use of checklists. However, when it comes to the training and establishing of time proven aviation habits I believe that the student should be taught to do the checklist verbatim not just pay lip service to it.
The habits and respect for checklists you develop aquiring a PPL will serve you well in the future in whatever aircraft you fly. You will not last long at an airline if you neglect proper checklist procedures - end of story.